Isou aiming for top-five finish in Digicel Cup, says Lahari

Petroleum Resources Kutubu Gulf Isou are aiming to build on this year’s campaign when the Digicel Cup season kicks off.
Gulf Province Sports Trust (GPST) chief executive Lawrence Lahari said in a report that despite 2018 being a tough season for Gulf Isou, they were looking forward to next year with optimism.
“Gulf Isou will be aiming for a top-five finish at the end of the 2019 regular season,” Lahari, pictured, said.
“Pre-season will kick in shortly with organised trials in Kerema town in early 2019.
“We look to finalise the train-on squad by late January and have them undergo intensive training two months before the start of the 2019 Digicel Cup.”
Lahari said a lot of players were taking part in nines tournament and they had scouts looking out for new talent.
“With the trials in Kerema early next month, we intend to have more of our rural players make the Isou squad as well,” Lahari said.
“There is an active competition in Kikori and we intend to pick players from there.”
Lahari said of the Isou’s 18 matches last season, they managed to win only three.
“It was a very difficult season and a massive learning curve for GPST, the management and players,” he said.
Lahari said they were in the final stages of planning for the pre-season training. “We have got scouts that have got their eyes on the Kikori (Rugby) League,” Lahari said.
“And also on players playing in offseason competitions in Port Moresby and Kerema.
“The GPST 9s and 13s trials will be held in the New Year and more information about this will be given.”
Lahari commended their sponsors for supporting the province’s sports governing body.
“At this point in time, we thank our current sponsors — Petroleum Resource Kutubu (PRK), Orbitz Elevators, Mayur Resources, Kumul Petromin, Lae Biscuit Company through their brand Toti, Prima Small Goods and PNG Ports,” Lahari said.
“This year has been a challenge and we believe with the right support and team around GPST, we are able to change the face of sports in Gulf.
“Our two flagship teams, Gulf Isou and the Eremas (football), will be our shining light in 2019.”